Dork Diaries: Tales from a Not-So-Glam TV Star
#7 of 15 in Dork Diaries Series
on Goodreads (23,075)
What’s inside...
The book follows the life of Nikki Maxwell as she navigates the ups and downs of middle school, her crush on Brandon, and her life as a reality TV star. Nikki's school is holding a talent competition and she can't wait to start practicing dance moves with her BFFs, Chloe and Zoey, and impressing Brandon, her crush. But then Nikki finds out that her arch-nemesis, MacKenzie, is entering the contest too, and she's determined to steal Brandon from Nikki and win the contest. Nikki Maxwell might just get her first kiss with her crush, Brandon, in this seventh installment of the #1 series. It’s Diary of a Wimpy Kid for girls in this hilarious novel! Everyone’s been rooting for me and my crush, Brandon—and now I can FINALLY write all about what did – or didn’t – happen with our first kiss! Sighhhhh. There’s a LOT happening right now! A reality TV crew is following me and my friends as we record our hit song together, plus there are voice lessons, dance practice, and my little sister Brianna’s latest wacky hijinks (they NEVER end). I’m sure I’ve got this…but I hope all of this excitement won’t cause new problems for me and Brandon…eek!! The Dork Diaries series has more than 13 million copies in print worldwide!
Character compass
Nikki Maxwell
Zoey Franklin
Chloe Garcia
Brandon Roberts
Mackenzie Hollister
Discussion points
How do you think Nikki felt when she faced challenges on TV? Can you relate to her feelings?
What would you have done differently if you were in Nikki's shoes during her TV experience?
How do the friendships in the book compare to your friendships? What makes a good friend in your opinion?
What did you learn about handling fame and attention from Nikki’s experiences?
How does Nikki’s story inspire you to handle difficult situations in school or with friends?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin by sharing your own thoughts on the book to initiate open communication. Praise your child’s insights and encourage them to express their feelings and opinions without judgment. Link discussions to real-life scenarios that your child might encounter, enhancing their ability to relate to the book’s themes. Emphasize the importance of honest communication and resilience, as demonstrated by Nikki in the story. Lastly, create a supportive environment that welcomes all kinds of emotions and thoughts inspired by the book’s events.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Resilience
Explanation: The protagonist, Nikki Maxwell, faces various challenges but consistently shows resilience by not giving up and finding solutions.
Real-World Application: Children learn to persist through difficulties in school or in social settings, understanding that setbacks can be overcome with determination.
Example Lesson: Value of Honesty
Explanation: Nikki learns that being truthful with her friends and family creates stronger and more trusting relationships.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of honesty in building and maintaining trust within their own friendships and family interactions.
Example Lesson: Embracing Individuality
Explanation: Throughout the book, Nikki embraces her unique qualities and learns to appreciate what makes her different.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to celebrate their own uniqueness and respect differences in others, which is crucial in developing self-esteem and social empathy.
Example Lesson: Handling Peer Pressure
Explanation: Nikki faces peer pressure but learns to make decisions that align with her values rather than giving in to fit in.
Real-World Application: This helps children understand the importance of sticking to their values when faced with peer pressure in school or other social environments.
Example Lesson: Importance of Teamwork
Explanation: In the story, Nikki collaborates with her friends to overcome obstacles, highlighting the importance of teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children learn that working together with others can lead to solving problems more effectively and achieving common goals.